LABOUR, BIRTH AND BODY CHANGES DURING PREGNANCY BY THE END OF THIS LESSON YOU WILL HAVE LEARNED: What occurs during the 3 stages of labour during a “straightforward” birth That discussion with your classmates is essential to complete “The stages of labour and birth teamwork challenge!” That, during pregnancy, a woman will experience a variety of lifestyle, physical and emotional changes. How to make effective notes whilst discussing these changes

The First Stage of Labour  This is usually the longest stage and can last many hours.  There are three signs that labour is starting:  a show; the mucus plug comes away from the cervix.  the waters break and amniotic fluid drains out through the vagina  contractions; the muscles in the wall of the uterus contract (shorten) to gradually open the cervix to 10cm  Many women will use some sort of pain relief during this stage

The Second Stage  This stage involves the baby being pushed out of the mother.  The uterus, cervix and vagina are one long birth canal.  Strong contractions push the baby through the canal.  As the baby emerges, the top of the head is seen.  This is called the crowning. Crowning Birth canal *

First Breath  If the opening of the vagina is not wide enough to let the baby through a cut is made. This is called an episiotomy.  The baby slides out and will start to breathe.  This is the end of stage two.  Sometimes help is needed to get the baby out.  Forceps or ventouse are used for a breech birth when feet or bottom emerge first or when contractions are not strong enough.

The Third Stage  Once the baby is breathing, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut and the baby is no longer joined to the mother.  The baby is now a separate person.  The baby is given skin-to-skin contact with mum  Mum is given an injection of syntometrine to prevent excess bleeding when the placenta comes away  Contractions continue until the placenta is pushed out.  Labour is now complete.

What happens after the birth?  The baby is given a medical examination by a doctor.  Three measurements are taken:  weight (about 3.5kg for a full term baby)  head circumference (about 35cms)  Length (about 50cms).  Mum is given tea and toast and (hopefully) a little rest © ORCA Education Limited 2004 and suppliers all rights reserved

LABOUR, BIRTH AND BODY CHANGES DURING PREGNANCY BY THE END OF THIS LESSON YOU WILL HAVE LEARNED: What occurs during the 3 stages of labour during a “straightforward” birth That discussion with your classmates is essential to complete “The stages of labour and birth teamwork challenge!” That, during pregnancy, a woman will experience a variety of lifestyle, physical and emotional changes. How to make effective notes whilst discussing these changes